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Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

Spoonful of Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole with a brown sugar and pecan topping held above a white casserole dish.

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Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday dish featuring creamy, sweet mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel or toasted marshmallows. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 large)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • TOPPING:
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with foil. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with softened butter.
  2. Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Prick each one with a fork and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes until soft.
  3. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Let sweet potatoes cool slightly, then peel.
  4. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat sweet potatoes with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
  5. Add softened butter and beat until fluffy. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and salt until light and creamy.
  6. Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, prepare the topping by mixing brown sugar, pecans, flour, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
  8. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle topping evenly. Return to oven for 10 more minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes for a crunchy finish.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use sweet potatoes with orange flesh such as Jewel, Garnet, or Beauregard for best results.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
  • The pecan topping can be substituted with mini marshmallows if desired.
  • Freeze unbaked filling up to 3 months, thaw before baking.
  • Topping may lose crunch when reheated.

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